Leadership Golden Belt kicks off its 2013 program with a retreat on Aug. 1 and will continue to meet through October. The program follows the Kansas Leadership Center's curriculum and includes purpose-oriented site visits in various locations throughout Barton, Pawnee, Rush and Stafford counties.

The State of Kansas Medicaid program, KanCare, is collecting important household information from beneficiaries to meet new federal eligibility guidelines mandated by the Affordable Care Act. The Kansas Department of Health and Environment began today mailing the instructions and a data collection form in a letter envelope to about 130,000 KanCare households of beneficiaries who are parents with children and pregnant women. This mailing is not being sent to elderly and disabled KanCare beneficiaries.

Just four weeks ago, things were not looking good for Clyde, the male black bear at the Great Bend Brit Spaugh Zoo. He was in poor health at the time, but after a surgery performed by Dr. Mike Malone, veterinarian to the zoo, Director Scott Gregory said he hopes Clyde will be with the zoo for many years.

A man charged with sex crimes involving a 14-year-old victim appeared in Barton County District Court Monday and entered a plea of "no contest" to one count of indecent liberties with a child. Randall Scott Daubert was found guilty of the charge after Barton County Attorney Douglas Matthews offered an affidavit as evidence. He did not state the evidence, noting the sensitive nature of the case. District Judge Ron Svaty found Daubert guilty and ordered a pre-sentencing investigation (PSI).

Incredible Years Preschool has scheduled an open house for anyone interested in learning more about its comprehensive programs for children age 2-and-a-half to 5, Director Shari Schneider said. It is set for 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 at the preschool, 1312 Patton.

When Steve Wondra, Great Bend, was asked to organize a volleyball tournament in conjunction with June Jaunt Activities, he had two conditions - it would honor the memory of his friend, Rhonda Klug, and proceeds would be directed to Heartland Cancer Center.

Braxton Schooler, center, helps a customer with her purchase, Friday afternoon. Braxton and his brother Carsyn, right, operated the corn stand at the corner of Broadway Ave. and Warner Road with some help from their mother Julie (not pictured). The corn came from the farm of Julie Schooler's uncle, Richard Josefiak, of Rozel.

Chicago-area police chief Kent Williams, who has been involved in law enforcement for more than 27 years, talks to fellow officers, Wednesday at the Barton Community College Fine Arts Building. His presentation discussed the traumas and triumphs associated with modern law enforcement and how they influence the pivotal balance between professional and personal relationships. The Lee Turner lectureship series is an endowment-funded program designed to provide an opportunity for law enforcement personnel to meet continuing education requirements while gaining valuable training pertinent to their profession.

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Central Kansas Christian Academy will hold their annual Open House from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Current students attending CKCA are invited to check out their school projects, have refreshments and join in fellowship. Prospective students and their families, along with families interested in the school, are welcome to attend. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour the classrooms, sign up for Kindergarten screenings, meet the teachers and learn about the school curriculum. CKCA is independent of any local church. For more information call the school office at 792-3477.

The Great Bend High School Kayette's annual Mr. Perfect Panther Pageant will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday at the high school auditorium. The evening features eight of the high schools finest senior boys competing in various pageant categories to help raise money for Mrs. Annetta Schaub, who is battling cancer for the second time. Seniors competing include Jayce Brack, Grant Harris, Walter Helms, Adam Jacobs, Josh Moran, Branden Paden, Blake Sullivan, and Ty Yager. Tickets are $3 for general admission and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds to benefit Mrs. Schaub.

This week's Chamber of Commerce Coffee will be hosted by Montana Mike's, 906 McKinley, at 9:30 a.m., Thursday. Host will be AJ Chrest with greeters Amy Habiger and January Pecora. Coffee, refreshments and door prizes will be available.

The Kansas Supreme Court announced the three cases it will hear April 13 at Fort Hays State University, its next destination in ongoing outreach to familiarize Kansans with the high court, its work, and the overall role of the Kansas judiciary.

The Golden Belt Community Concert Association will present "Live From Nashville," a country music song-and-dance spectacular from Nashville-based Matt Davenport Productions. Tracing the history of country music from its roots to its sold-out stadiums of today, this production represents a century of celebrities and songs – and the tradition that gave Music City its name.

The current strategic plan for Barton Community College is scheduled for renewal and development and to be in place for fiscal years 2016-2021. The first phase of strategic planning is underway and involves the establishment of a strategic planning framework that will be considered at the next BCC Board of Trustees meeting, set for 4 p.m. Thursday, March 26, in room F-30 of the Fine Arts Building.

USD 428 Board of Education will meet at noon on Thursday at Eisenhower Elementary School, 1212 Garfield. Items on the agenda include the 2015-2016 school calendar; a resolution maintaining BOE member elections in April; and licensed teacher retirements, resignations and personnel appointment. Eisenhower Elementary School Principal Tricia Reiser and other staff members will share information regarding the academic programs and the school improvement efforts at Eisenhower.

The Great Bend Recreation Commission will host a free Stop 'N Learn Session titled "Fantastic Frogs" from noon to 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, at the Great Bend Activity Center 2715 18th St. This program will also be held at 1 p.m. Friday at the Senior Center, 2005 Kansas Ave.

The 5th Annual Kans for Kids Fighting Cancer Radiothon will be held from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on March 27, on all four Eagle Radio stations. There will also be special activities, including live-remote broadcasts, from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Kans for Kids can drop locations: Walgreen's in Great Bend; the recycling center in Hoisington; Knop's in Ellinwood; behind the library in Claflin; and at Sportsman's Corner in Russell. Donate your aluminum cans at any of those locations or call 620-562-5437 and pledge your support to make a difference to children ...

The League of Women Voter's of Great Bend will be presenting a candidate's forum at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at the Crest Theatre on the square, downtown Great Bend. It is free of charge to the public. Candidates who have someone running in opposition will be on the forum. There will be three races for the spring election. There are openings on the Board of Trustees for Barton Community College, Great Bend